Meninges
-3 Membranes that lie directly beneath the skull
  • Dura: First layer just below the cranium, it’s tough and thick like a skull cap
-Function: Limits movement of the brain within the skull
  • Arachnoid: Middle membrane, looks similar to a spider web
-Function: Most vessels are here
  • Pia: Closest membrane to the brain
-Function: Contains blood vessels which bring oxygen to the brain and carry waste products away

Hematomas

  • Epidural Hematoma- Collection of blood between the bone and the dura, usually following a trauma
  • Subdural Hematoma- Collection of blood between the Dura and Arachnoid (more common in the elderly)
  • Subarachnoid Hematoma- Collection of blood under the Pia mater in the brain tissue

external image r7_meninges.jpg